from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Detector \De*tect"or\, n. [L., a revealer.]
One who, or that which, detects; a detecter. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
A deathbed's detector of the heart. --Young.
[1913 Webster]
2. Specifically:
(a) An indicator showing the depth of the water in a
boiler.
(b) (Elec.) A galvanometer, usually portable, for
indicating the direction of a current.
(c) (Elec.) Any of various devices for detecting the
presence of electric waves.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
{Bank-note detector}, a publication containing a description
of genuine and counterfeit bank notes, designed to enable
persons to discriminate between them.
{Detector lock}. See under {Lock}.
[1913 Webster]